School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 3-This insubstantial collection of 35 poems covers a wide variety of typical school-related topics, including tests, school subjects, friends, holidays, school buses, teachers, snow days, and various milestones throughout the school year. While a handful of poems offer memorable use of figurative language, notably "The Colors of Words" and "Recess," the collection as a whole is largely uninspired. Despite being intended for "those in the youngest grades," the poems lack strong, consistent use of rhythm or rhyme and fail to create fresh, exciting, or striking imagery. Created digitally, Barton's warm and animated illustrations are more noteworthy than the text and cheerfully bring a racially diverse population of students to life. VERDICT Serviceable for collections in need of school-themed poems or poetry for very young students; otherwise, readers are likely better served elsewhere.-Lauren Strohecker, McKinley Elementary School, Elkins Park, PA © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
More than 20 years after Did You See What I Saw?, Winters returns with another collection of school-themed poetry: 35 light, energetic poems about catching the bus, being the new kid, lost permission slips, and memorable school-day moments, all accompanied by Barton's airy images of multiracial students. "Out in the sunshine/ we march in a line,/ leaving all of those words behind./ Perfect timing!" reads an entry about the excitement of a fire drill. Elsewhere, two students are shocked to see their teacher at the grocery store ("There she is/ by the soup cans"), and several poems highlight the ups and downs of learning. Winters covers the gamut of school-year emotions, recognizing that school encompasses much more than what's on the lesson plan. Ages 5-6. Illustrator's agent: Christina Tugeau, Christina A. Tugeau Artist Agency. (Feb.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.